Ready to advance to the next level, in TESOL? I've found a fantastic MA program that not only teaches about TESOL, but includes political and cultural contexts in the curriculum. It's the MA TESOL program at the New School. It's exciting, rooted in experiential learning, and an excellent way to further your education and career. We had a chance to talk with Gabriel Díaz Maggioli, Chair, English Language Studies Department and Director, MATESOL at The New School about the program. Here's what he had to say...

WE: Please tell us about your MA TESOL...

GDM: Our MA TESOL program's aim is to prepare competent, compassionate teachers of English who understand the challenges as well as the opportunities of a career in teaching English as a global language. This 30-credit innovative program recognizes the challenges of fitting graduate school into busy professional and personal lives. Our TESOL online curriculum offers maximum flexibility by affording students the opportunity to all courses online or find the combination of online and on-campus summer courses that works best for them. Our globally informed curriculum also distinguishes The New School's MATESOL--our program is neither U.S. nor U.K.-centric but reflects the global reality of the ESOL teaching professional today. 

WE: How long has this academic program been running?

GDM: Our graduate program was launched in 2007 and to date has over 40 graduates. The English Language Studies Department has been running teacher preparation courses at the level of Certificate--both on-site and online--since 1989. Professional Development and English for Academic Purposes courses have been offered since 1986. 

WE: What can students expect, from attending this program?

GDM: They can expect a rigorous program of study with a strong political and cultural orientation that brings together theory and practice through flexible study options and an outstanding international faculty and curriculum. 

WE: What are your graduates from this program doing?

GDM: Our graduates have gone on to careers as teachers in colleges and universities, public and private schools, businesses, NGOs, and governmental agencies both in the U.S. and abroad (Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia, China, Japan, Ukraine, Serbia, Belize, Spain and South Korea). 

WE:  How do your students get practical experience in this area, while learning?

GDM: Through a mixture of theoretical courses, classroom-based practica and research and the completion of professional projects oriented towards their interests. 

WE: Who are your faculty?

GDM: Our faculty includes some of the most respected professionals in the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) field, including Sharon Avni (New York), Steve Cornwell (Osaka), John Fanselow (Tokyo), Jeremy Harmer  (Cambridge, UK), Lesley Painter-Farrell (New York), Carol Lethaby (San Francisco), Jeff Mohammad (Austin), Scott Thornbury (Barcelona, Spain), Bonnie Tsai (Zurich), Deyn Verity (Osaka), Ruth Wajnyrb (Sydney). This diverse group of professionals brings to our courses the combination of experiences and skills necessary to develop successful English teachers for the 21st century. 

WE: How do you emphasize the political and cultural implications of teaching English?

GDM: Our program strongly emphasizes the political, cultural, and ethical implications of TESOL in this age of globalization. This is consistent with The New School's nearly 100-year history of linking education to human progress and social justice. 

WE:  Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

GDM: Our program prepares language teachers to work with students from many backgrounds in a variety of contexts. 

WE: Thanks so much, Gabriel, for sharing your TESOL program with our Wandering Educators!

For more information, please see:
http://www.newschool.edu/matesol/